2008-06-30-OC_C-Thin_pickings_8页_899kb

OC&C State of Retail 2008 Report Summary

The "State of Retail 2008" report by OC&C Strategy Consultants provides an analysis of the UK retail sector, published in The Times on November 17, 2008. It highlights the competitive landscape where retailers face a "fight for survival" and must engage in strategic hunting or be hunted due to challenging economic conditions, likely influenced by the global financial crisis. OC&C advises clients on strategic group-level and business-unit strategy, profit improvement, and mergers and acquisitions.

The report features a ranking of UK retail companies based on their financial performance, primarily using Earnings Before Interest and Taxes (EBIT) metrics, including pre-freehold and post-freehold EBIT with adjustments for other income and exceptions. The ranking lists companies from Rank 1 to Rank 233, with data based on their latest accounts as of late 2007 and early 2008, including revenue growth, EBIT growth, and EBIT margins. Key metrics show that Tesco is the top performer, with strong revenue and EBIT growth, while other companies like Marks & Spencer, Next, and Boots demonstrate varying levels of profitability and market position. The data underscores the financial pressures and competitive dynamics in the retail sector during this period.